Federal cash for Eckvile
The volunteer board operating Eckville Community Centre is getting $77,590 from the federal government to upgrade the facility.
Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins made the announcement on behalf of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Lynne Yelich at the centre on Monday afternoon.
The money comes from the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
The $164,000 project is expected to start this year on the centre built in 1981, said community centre board member Andrew VanDirstein.
“Our time line is to finish by the end of the year, as long as we can get all the contractors and trades lined up,” said VanDirstein on Monday.
The centre has a large hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and stage. Upgrades will be done to flooring, bathrooms and heating, along with some work on hall ceiling and roofing.
“Renovations to this extent haven’t been done since it was built. It’s going to be a well-needed upgrade.”
Efforts will be made to keep the facility open as much as possible while upgrades are underway, he said.
“It’s a pretty good asset to the community. It’s one of the bigger community halls in the area.” VanDirstein said.
The Town of Eckville and Lacombe County are each contributing $45,000 to the project.
The board also applied for a provincial grant and is awaiting approval.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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